Must-Have DVDs for Your Horror Movie Collection

The Friday the 13th, Halloween, Living Dead, Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hellraiser, Puppet Master, and Chucky series are staples (or should be) in most horror collections. However, there are others that definitely deserve a place amongst the Stephen King adaptations and Christmas killers. The following suggested must-have horror DVDs aren’t a finite list but bring their own special touches to this awesome genre.

American Psycho

Christian Bale is the perfect Patrick Bateman in this adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 controversial novel. It also has a terrific 80s-inspired soundtrack and a pre-Joker Jared Leto!

The Birds

This 1963 avian nightmare will always be a chilling classic, more so because of what star Tippi Hedren supposedly experienced behind the scenes and while filming.

Candyman

Based upon a Clive Barker story, it’s hard to imagine anyone else but Tony Todd as the 1992 title character. Who hasn’t tried invoking him through the mirror, just to hear his beautiful voice?

The Devil’s Rejects

A fantastic sequel to House of 1,000 Corpses and an all-around horror masterpiece. Note too that it’s Matthew McGrory’s (Tiny Firefly) last role before he passed away in 2005.

Evil Dead

Silly friends, thinking ancient demonic incantations are no big deal. Thankfully, Ash finds his true calling and does his best at chopping up possessed bodies and fighting nasty spirits.

The Exorcist

Linda Blair doing what the possessed do – spout bad words, contort in unnatural ways, and projectile-vomit pea soup. 45 years later (!), this film, and those notes of “Tubular Bells” still scare.

Hammer Classics

These British films are a who’s who of many legends, including Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Oliver Reed, and Ingrid Pitt. Check out the Volume Two compilation, and of course, the Dracula collection!

Killer Klowns from Outer Space

One of the best clown movies ever made, and one that’ll make you see cotton candy in a whole new way next time you’re at a carnival.

Phantasm

It may take more than one viewing to understand this first entry in the Tall Man/Morningside Mortuary saga, but it’s well worth it!

Re-Animator

This loose interpretation of a Lovecraft story has several horror greats- director Stuart Gordon, scream queen Barbara Crampton, and Jeffrey Combs’ in his iconic role as Herbert West!

Trick ‘R Treat

A relatively new addition to quintessential horror DVDs, this goosebumps-inducing anthology film features the devilish Sam, a Nightmare Toys’ favorite.

Which of these horror DVDs will you be adding to your collection? Tell us in the comments section below!